Fernando Mendoza is already making waves off the field - and he hasn’t even taken an NFL snap yet.
Fresh off leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship and capturing the Heisman Trophy, the 22-year-old quarterback is turning heads not just for his play under center, but for his savvy off it. Mendoza has become something of a LinkedIn sensation, using the platform in a way few athletes ever have - with humor, creativity, and a business-minded edge that’s now paying off in a big way.
Just days after declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza landed a partnership with LinkedIn itself. While the full scope of the deal hasn’t been disclosed, the company confirmed it’s working with Mendoza “in a more integrated capacity,” and expressed excitement about the collaboration moving forward.
This isn’t your typical NIL story. Mendoza’s posts - like the one where he joked that winning a national title taught him more about “B2B sales” - have struck a unique chord, blending football success with business acumen. It’s a modern twist on athlete branding, and Mendoza is showing he’s not just preparing for the NFL - he’s building a platform for life beyond it.
And make no mistake, the NFL is very much next.
With Oregon’s Dante Moore opting to return to school, Mendoza is the clear-cut top quarterback in the 2026 draft class. That’s great news for the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick after a 3-14 season that saw the Geno Smith experiment fall flat and longtime head coach Pete Carroll shown the door after just one year.
Las Vegas is in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza fits the bill. He’s not just the best option available - he’s the kind of player you build around.
Poised, intelligent, and a proven winner, Mendoza would walk into a situation with real offensive potential. The Raiders already have a dynamic running back in Ashton Jeanty and a matchup nightmare at tight end in Brock Bowers.
That’s a strong foundation for a young quarterback to grow with.
And then there’s the Tom Brady factor.
As a minority owner of the Raiders, Brady’s presence in the building could be an invaluable resource for Mendoza. Learning from the most decorated quarterback in league history - even in a mentorship or advisory role - is the kind of opportunity that could accelerate Mendoza’s development in a big way.
So while the draft is still months away, the picture is starting to come into focus. Fernando Mendoza isn’t just QB1 in this class - he’s a player who’s already thinking like a pro, on and off the field. The Raiders may have stumbled into the top pick, but if they play their cards right, Mendoza could be the franchise reset they’ve been waiting for.